Saturday, 26 June 2010

Whilst partaking in high tea, one thing I always wish for is more savouries, as it is always sweetness overload. Which is what brings me to the Gallery Tea Lounge at Sheraton on the Park, as they have a Contemporary Stand for afternoon tea, where you can choose your own offerings. Perfect!

We pop in at 11:30am, and it's quiet, which is a nice change from some of the other busier venues. I tried to book a table earlier during the week, but they said it wasn't necessary for 2 people.

The afternoon tea options - they also have the traditional stand and a buffet later on during the day, starting at 1:00pm

My drink of choice - Max Brenner hot chocolate

Firstly, the metal frame stand comes out, and the plates too, one by one

Savouries - I love that you can order the dishes, as it means you can control the sweet/savoury ratio, and the savoury options were quite interesting! This selection included:

Friday, 25 June 2010

Looking for a special venue for an early birthday dinner celebration, Summit was a last minute choice. In hindsight, I should have took more notice of the reviews, as they were quite spot on - food was not amazing, service was bordering on non-existent on a not so busy night.

I'm not meaning to give a terrible review, but when the meal is within a certain price point, you expect a bit more... but my experience was underwhelming, to say the least. Guess it's all about the pretty view?

And boy, it was a nice view!

Menu - they have a $79 deal for 2 courses, either starter + main, or main + dessert

Ruby Sunset cocktail - described as a fruity blend of fresh mango & pineapple, along with white run & mango liqueur with a splash of jam. This was basically a smoothie, with the slightest hint of alcohol

I tried not to fill up on bread, but failed miserably, most of that lovely butter was slathered on & hogged by me

Amuse Bouche - this was a creamy chestnut and mushroom soup, probably not an accurate description of it, but that's all I remember of it - was quite nice

oyster blade “raviolinni”, durum wheat egg pasta, candied garlic, root vegetables, hunter shiraz glaze & butter - the meat was fall apart tender, and the glaze was packed with flavour, so much so that side dishes are a must with this dish, otherwise it ends up being a bit too much

Sirloin on the bone - can't comment on this dish, as it wasn't mine & I didn't try any, but it appeared to be quite tasty

Hand cut chips - I love potato, so this was a winner, and a very welcome accompaniment to my beef cheek

I think the main thing was the service that I had an issue with. It wasn't particularly busy, but everything took ages, and my table was mostly ignored. We sat there with empty dishes, on more than one occasion, whilst waitstaff walked past and were quite attentive to the tables next to us.

We received our coffee with dessert, and sugar was noone in sight. It was almost impossible to get the attention of staff, since for some unknown reason, we were mostly avoided.

I enjoyed the view though, that and dessert, was the highlight of the night. I'd probably be back, but not for the Summit Restaurant, but to try out the tapas at the Orbit Bar.